Alameda Planning Board Meeting - May 22, 2023

The Planning Board met on May 22, 2023, to consider two major items: the West Midway development at Alameda Point and the 250 Singleton Avenue rezoning and design review for the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD). Both items were approved with conditions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Doug Biggs, Executive Director of the Alameda Point Collaborative, expressed strong support for the West Midway development plan. He noted the symbiotic relationship between the West Midway and Reshape projects, highlighting that the design meets the needs of Reshape residents for safe access to schools, shopping, and transit.

Discussion Items

5-A: West Midway Development Plan, Use Permit, Universal Design Waiver, and Development Agreement

• Project Overview: The applicant, Catellus/Brookfield Properties, proposes constructing approximately 478 housing units, 10,000 square feet of non-residential uses, and associated infrastructure on approximately 26 acres between West Tower Avenue, West Midway Avenue, Main Street, and Pan Am Way at Alameda Point.
• Staff Presentation: Planning Director Andrew Thomas highlighted the project's importance to the city's housing element, which commits to 1,400 units on city-owned land at Alameda Point. He noted that the Planning Board approved the Reshape project (309 affordable units) two weeks prior, making West Midway the third and final major entitlement.
• Applicant Presentation: Sean Wiskeman (Catellus) and David Burton (KTGY Architects) presented refinements since September 2022, including extended avenues A and B, a widened green spine (45–72 feet), and consolidated open space along Orion Street for all residents including those at Reshape. The plan includes a mix of duets, townhouses, and condominiums with varied massing.
• Board Questions and Conditions: Board members discussed street design, pedestrian/bike connectivity, and architectural variety. Specific concerns included:
  • West Tower Avenue elevations should provide architecturally diverse, pedestrian-friendly frontages with ability to adjust setbacks.
  • Side elevations facing streets and paseos should be designed as front elevations.
  • Landscaping plans should address T-intersections (e.g., headlight glare) and all major intersections.
  • Homes facing the future Central Gardens park should receive special design consideration.
  • Design review plans must include mailbox location plans.
• Public Testimony: Doug Biggs spoke in support.
• Votes:
  1. Motion to approve the West Midway Development Plan, Use Permit, and Universal Design Waiver with conditions. Passed (5-0).
  2. Motion to recommend City Council approval of the West Midway Development Agreement. Passed unanimously.

5-B: 250 Singleton Avenue – Rezoning and Design Review for AUSD Central Kitchen and Warehouse

• Project Overview: AUSD proposes constructing a 6,200-square-foot central kitchen and a 9,800-square-foot warehouse on a 2.77-acre portion of the 6.73-acre property at 250 Singleton Avenue. The project also includes a recommendation to the City Council to remove the “G,” Special Government Combining District overlay from the property’s M2 zoning.
• Staff Presentation: Planner Henry Dong explained that the G overlay should have been removed when the property was conveyed to AUSD but was not; removal is a zoning map cleanup. The design review includes street improvements (sidewalk extension), landscaping, and stormwater bioretention.
• Applicant Presentation: Architect Joel Williams (via Zoom) presented the design: a combination of cement plaster and profiled metal panels with standing seam metal roof. The kitchen will serve all district schools; the warehouse will provide general storage. Staffing is fewer than 10 people, with early morning hours.
• Board Questions and Conditions: Board members discussed:
  • Adding street trees along the frontage (on private property) to enhance the streetscape.
  • Including sustainability features such as solar panels and all-electric kitchen.
  • Adding clearstory windows to bring natural light into office spaces, given the large attic volume.
  • Considering shower facilities for bike commuters (not required but suggested).
• Public Testimony: None.
• Votes:
  1. Motion to approve design review with conditions (explore street trees, solar, and clearstory windows). Approved unanimously.
  2. Motion to recommend City Council removal of the G overlay. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• West Midway Development: The Board approved the Development Plan, Use Permit, and Universal Design Waiver (5-0) and recommended City Council approval of the Development Agreement. Conditions include architectural variety on West Tower, design of side elevations, landscaping at intersections, park-facing design, and mailbox planning.
• 250 Singleton Avenue: The Board approved the design review with conditions (explore street trees, solar, clearstory windows) and recommended City Council removal of the G overlay.
• Other Business: Staff reported upcoming items: objective design standards (to return after Historical Advisory Board feedback), Alameda Marina Phase III (RAP B building) for June, and annual development agreement reports. Board member Teague noted Alameda’s C grade for SB9 implementation and financing challenges for multiple ADUs.
• Next Steps: The West Midway Development Agreement will go to City Council within three weeks. The 250 Singleton rezoning will go to City Council for final action.